NEW VINDICATORS #10: Checkmate (IC)

[Anomaly]

Viktor DeGallow

While waiting for the remaining students to assemble, Viktor continued to meander around the foyer, pondering just what the heck he was doing here to begin with. He had little desire to become a hero by any means. Simply getting through the next three years with a passing grade would be enough for him. Well, that and tagging as many of the lady folk as possible.

“That could have gone better. Perhaps another approach is needed. Riches will not work as he clearly has no interest in the finer things. Not willing to party either. Hope he is not in it for that betterment of all garbage,” he mused quietly.

Glancing over at his new “protégé”, he noticed several students exiting the locker rooms.
Martin seems… alright. That sniffing of Vlad was a bit off but then again he is French. Vlad, the candy coated ox. Wonder how much of trouble candy could really cause. Gaspar will surely choose me first, as we are likely the most significant duo. Maybe he will grab Eve as well and our friendly “competition” can begin for the golden apple. Viktor laughed as he approached the remaining students, engaged in conversation.

“Gentlemen, and you,” pointing toward Jack, “this seems likely to be our first real proving. May the best in us shine through. Not quite certain we need to bother with such formalities on our first real meeting, but please know no hard feelings should be held to those of us whom remain standing when it is all said and done. It is, after all, just a test and not personal.”

[Michuru81]

"And what is it that you two do?" she asked the other girls while still checking herself out in the mirror. "I suppose it's something impressive?"

Tatjana turned and fixed Eve with a glare. She said nothing and instead coolly shut her locker before turning and leaving the room.

"Don't mind her," Kirstie said once Tatjana had departed. The blonde's standard uniform had a black utility vest set over it and her shoulder-length hair was pressed down by the black knit cap she tamped down with her knuckles. "She's not usually so..." The more-friendly of the pair attempted to think of the least offensive thing she could call her classmate.

She had nothing.

"Kirstie," she said, offering out a hand in greeting. "I go by 'Parabola', on account of I absorb and reroute energy beams and such. Tatjana is Fach. She, um, well... she screams really loud.

"What about you?"

Eve shook Kirstie's hand. "I'm Eve. Just Eve. I don't do anything overt. Well, besides the obvious."

She gestured to her glowing self as explaination. "And Little Miss Singspiel can go choke on a conductor's baton. She doesn't bother me."

"She's usually really nice," Parapola said. "Something must have happened between her and Gaspar--before I left for the summer, they were still going out. I think she was just jealous at the attention he showed you. Plus, you're really pretty."

Kirstie seemed nice, and she was apparently not responding to Eve with the usual jealousy or crushed ego Eve so often left other students desperately tortured by.

"So, energy redirection. Is it an internal biological conversion and transmission," she asked in a manner more fitting an intellectual than a snobby cheerleader, "or simply a reflective effect?"

Kirstie stared at Eve with her jaw agape. "I have no idea what you just said," she admitted.

[flynnarrel]

Fluxx.

[size=150] “ It is, after all, just a test and not personal.”

Martin's mind provided translation: The well-off guy would hold nothing back.

So be it.

He frowns at Apex's description of events. "And even based on choosing order zere eez no way to force 'im to pick 'Fach' in order to sow dissent in 'is team. And if you pick 'er she will likely be bent upon revenge. Tough situation." Martin concludes. "Eez 'e still seeing zis cousin?"

[Michuru81]

"Eez 'e still seeing zis cousin?"

"He hasn't seen her since," Apex explained. "After Tatjana's family threw him out, he stayed with me and mine. We only saw Tatjana again when Mister Ander came to pick us up in Epe. I guess the other students were brought here this morning; then Mister Ander rounded us up..."

[Tattooedman]

Jack Rexroth:

Jack joined the gathering of other students talking with Cornelius, trying to learn more about them before the blitz started. But before he could try to join the conversation Viktor swaggered his way over.

“Gentlemen, and you,” pointing toward Jack, “this seems likely to be our first real proving. May the best in us shine through. Not quite certain we need to bother with such formalities on our first real meeting, but please know no hard feelings should be held to those of us whom remain standing when it is all said and done. It is, after all, just a test and not personal.”

Jack's grin never faded as Viktor insinuated his pending victory. It was the guys like these that annoyed him and just made him feel like he had to mess with them. "Right, just keep that in mind when the blitz is done. Ya never know if things are gonna go the way your thinking."

[flynnarrel]

Fluxx.

The crowd outside of the locker was rapidly approaching a size that triggered Martin's nervousness. The young Frenchman withdrew slightly, monitoring the resulting interplay.

Martin's eyes half close and he intakes air deeply, drawing in a microcosm of the trace chemicals in the hallway. The silica of the floor below provides a base as Martin's mind sorts out the collection of hydrocarbons that make up most life.

Sucrose and peptic acid permeated from Vlad, but Martin scented for hydrocarbon when the Transylvanian exhaled. It would indicate not candy all the way through. He quietly hoped that Vlad found his way on to Gaspar's team. The youth was so worried about the precipitation the other could produce, if those two were teammates then there was less of a chance it would be used against him and he'd have an opportunity to shine inasmuch as he could.

The scent of old clothes clung around Alex but not much else could be deduced. The American made no indication - words or actions - what his ability or training was. They would all have to wait for it.

Beyond the cellulose, earthy smell around Randy, not much more could be garnered. The protruding roots indicated a metamorphosis, likely increased resiliency.

Visually, Martin noted the altered skin tone of the Accesorizer, his own personal call sign for Jack. Such fine control worried the chemistry-enthusiast. It showed practice and intent - things Jack apparently possessed. Martin had no experience using his abilities on another person, it was one thing to break down the chemical composition of a rock, but, to use such abilities to actually hurt someone... Humans aren't normally wired to do that - cops and soldiers train extensively to overcome such hang-ups and criminals are driven to it by need. Sociopaths don't care. But they were all mid-teens. He had to believe that most had grown up normal lives, taught to not hit the other kids from an early age. At least those are the lessons he, himself, had garnered from his parents. Maybe the Americans, with their recent troubled country, had an edge over him in this regard. And surely, a man who felt that others were beneath him, in a literal case if he could,indeed, walk of the air itself, would have little compunction to hurt another. The resident students had had a year to prepare themselves for this notion. Granted, Martin was no slouch. His wrestling experience and training had, at least, assured the man he could take a hit and roll with it. But to actually harm another... He knew that was what Vindicator's did, part of the safekeeping of the world meant he had need to engage in those very criminals and psychopaths he was thinking of earlier, engage and survive.

Was this really what he wanted? Could he really do this?

The thoughts weighed heavily on the youth as they all waited for the next step.

Yes, some fundamental doubts from the thoughtful 15 year old just before the 'big game'. I figured that's how I'd be were I in that situation.

[Michuru81]

With the exception of Candyman and Lluvia in the men’s locker room and Eve and Parabola on the other side, everyone is gathered so, for the sake of moving things forward, we’ll assume the remaining sophomores make their way out and are all led into the Wreck Room.

For your roleplay, each of you earns a hero point; some of your comments have been absolutely hysterical to read.

The sophomore class stepped into the Wreck Room—a massive chamber composed of mirrored tiles that covered every surface. Two people—a man and a woman—stood in the epicenter, while the remainder of the faculty and the other three years of students stood in the observation deck overlooking the room.

The man appeared to be in his fifties. His snow-white hair was slicked back and tied in a short tail at the base of his skull. The pinstripes on his expensive suit—Italian make by the look of it—failed to draw attention away from the golden gaze in his eyes.

His associate was a handsome woman likely in her mid-to-late forties. Her honey-blonde hair was touched with grey at her bangs. She wore a modest pant suit and a no-nonsense scowl that took in the sophomore class as they entered their company.

“Welcome to another year at the New Vindicators Academy of Europe,” the woman inflected. Her accent marked her as an American. “My name is Doctor Bethany Fischer. My associate, Sir Isaac Newton-” Murmurs ran through the gathered student body as they debated if he was the genuine article. “-and I are the newest appointees to the role of administrator here. As I’m sure many of you know, our predecessors—Richard Vogel and Alan Altair—lost their lives in the catastrophe that unfolded three months ago in the United States.

“The situation in America shows us that now, more than ever, this school is more important than ever. Several of you are new here—refugees from that land. You have fled persecution and oppression. You have run ragged as they hunted you. Here, in Europe, we have heard your stories and many of us wonder if what happened there could ever happen here.

“Some of you may be angry, and rightfully so. Some of you may be afraid, and rightfully so. Rest assured though, that now, more than ever, the New Vindicators Academy of Europe is dedicated to training you to defend yourself and to protect your loved ones from those who would rail against you solely for the crime of being born different.”

Doctor Fischer turned then to address the incoming sophomores. “Your training begins here, with this contest… The Sophomore Blitz is a tradition at this school, designed to allow you to show your teachers how much you’ve learned from them. It’s your chance to show your upperclassmen how far you’ve come and your chance to show the underclassmen just what they can accomplish. It is your chance to show yourselves that you are strong and tenacious and most of all… it’s your moment to shine.”

She nodded to her counterpart then and the Englishman stepped forward. “Gaspar Zorrilla e Higueras and Cornelis Nooteboom,” he intoned. “Step forward please.”

Both young men came forward and Sir Newton nodded to them each in turn. “During the course of your freshman year, you two stood above the rest of your class. You both showed yourselves to be a quick study and fast learners. The right of choosing teams from the rest of your class goes to you.” He nodded once more, this time only to Lluvia. “Gaspar,” the soft-spoken man inflected, “you have the privilege of selecting first…”

He knew what Tatjana and Kirstie were both capable of, but of the new recruits he knew so very little. Still, he had been given a glimpse at several of the heroes’ potential and knew who—above all else—he wanted on his side: “Eve,” he said energetically.

Apex grinned knowingly. The American’s staggering beauty had blindsided Lluvia and handed him his choice of the sophomores.

“Martin,” Apex said. Both of the electors had seen what he was capable of when he had helped Gae’ Bolg up. Apex considered him invaluable.

“The tattooed man,” Lluvia said, pointing to Greystone.

“Viktor,” Apex said.

“Kirstie.”

“Vlad.”

A roguish grin spread over Lluvia’s face as he called, “Jason.”

Apex’s eyes bulged over such a choice. He didn’t know what Jason was capable of and was trying to piece together why Lluvia would choose him. Quickly, he banished such thoughts from his head as he looked over what remained: his choices were Alex, Randy and Tatjana. If he was right, Lluvia wouldn’t choose his ex-girlfriend. Apex was going to get her, so why waste a prime selection on her?

It was down to Randy and Alex and of the two, Alex had not be the one to trip over his own two feet: “Alex,” he announced as he chose Current. As he predicted, Lluvia then took Gae’ Bolg over Fach, leaving the German girl to join the Dutchman’s team.

Sir Newton escorted Apex’s team to the southeastern corner of the room while Doctor Fischer led Lluvia and his chosen crew to the northwest corner. When they had all arrived, the scenario was loaded and the sophomore class found themselves in a holographic forest.

“Plan your strategies accordingly,” each team was told, “but you cannot leave these designated zones until both teams are ready to begin.”

That's what the terrain looks like. The trees provide cover, the bushes provide partial concealment and at it's deepest the lake is five feet. In the top right corner is a shack. The boxes are windows and the door is that diagonal line facing west. The house is mostly wood so the walls have a toughness of 3. The field is fairly flat. Each square is five feet.

The teams look like this:

Team Lluvia

Lluvia
Eve
Greystone
Parabola
Jason
Gae'bolg

Team Apex

Apex
Fluxx
Impasse
Candyman
Current
Fach

Lluvia's group is in the top-left, checkered corner; Apex's team is in the lower-right, checkered corner.

When combat begins, I'll ask you all to post certain status in a quote box. Essentially, just give us any bruises/injuries you have, conditions, hero points and most importantly your location on the map. It should be self explanatory. Something like this:

APEX
Bruises: 0, Injuries: 2, Staggered, 1 hero point, J-5.

Lemme know if there is anything I neglected.

[Arkrite]

Alex "Current" Murphy

Alex tries not to feel badly about the selection. At least he hadn't been picked last. It had been pretty close though.
He walked over to the corner they'd been lead to and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. He tried to hide his nervousness by attempting to keep still. It just made him nervous and edgy. He gave the redhaired girl a friendly smile, then looked around.

"So... uh... do we have a strategy?" He looks around at the others hoping one of them knew what was going on.

He'd gotten there just recently and now he was getting into a fistfight with his superpowered classmates. He started to wonder if he shouldn't have just taken his chances in the US. At least those jack asses he wouldn't have had a problem blasting with lightning.

CURRENT
Bruises: 0, Injuries: 0, 2 hero point, Z-26.

[flynnarrel]

Fluxx.

~Second! I was chosen second?!~ Martin stood in shock for a moment. He'd tried to tell Apex that Jack would make a more formidable combatant, and that Jason was a self-professed super-genius, a genuine Wile E. Coyote. But the man still chose him. He was honored and promised himself to try his best.

"Perhaps now eez ze time to ask what people can do? I can break down ze bonds between molecules. I've practiced on rocks, beeg rocks, but I've never done so against a person." he blanches a little at the thought. "My own body as well can maintain a state of fluxus. Destabilizing." He drops into a mostly white puddle, which stirs somewhat his voice continuing to emanate. "And reform wiz lengzened cellular structures." The pool geysers upwards about 20 feet to halt in a mildly swaying pole.

"Umm... I can recombine chemicals, adding or subtracting to fluctuate zeir atomic weight and properties. Full chemical recombinancy but in small amounts - make one zing into anozer. Oh and restore 'ydrocarbons to 'omeostasis - er... I can 'eal damaged tissue by touch."

"I... I zink zat's eet." he nods, pensive.

After speaking he returns to normal proportions. He shuffles his feet nervously.

[Horsenhero]

Vlad assembled with his teammates under Apex' command and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. The weather controller and TWO girls were on the opposing team. Just one girl short of the worst situation ever. Against the weather controller he had little chance and he would have to try to dispatch the girls without hurting them if either made a go for him. Fantastic. Oh well, at least it had been mentioned that Mr. Anders, at least he thought it was Mr. Anders, was a healer. He would most likely need it.

His Attempt at humor with Martin had been a failure. Instead of laughing at his shiny, sticky coating, those that had bothered to reply said it was "cool". No. Being able to manipulate the very elements of existence was cool. Being able to manipulate your body to produce wings or claws or super-human strength was cool. Super intelligence was VERY cool. He heaved a heavy sigh. Oh well, he would fight as Apex directed and hopefully he wouldn't end up too horribly embarrassed getting his behind knocked into the dirt.

He wished he was in the habit of watching televison though. This thing that everyone kept mentioning about America was disturbing. Where he was from, America was talked about in hushed whispers...a mythic paradise like Germany or Japan. People were employed. Everyone had running water, indoor plumbing and electricity full-time, not just when you could afford to run the generator in the shed. He had spent the summer hunting and fishing in the Carpathians, his last big trip with his uncle before this adventure and missed much of the news of the world. After this "blitz", he would have to ask one of the Americans, Jack most likely, since the red headed girl probably wouldn't even deign to notice his existence. Of course, why would she? She and Vlad came from two different worlds.

Enough wool-gathering, he thought and turned to Apex.

"So, what is the plan?"

God he hoped there was a plan.

[Anomaly]

Viktor DeGallow "Impasse"

Still a bit stunned about being chosen fourth, Viktor seems to come to a realization: Clearly Gaspar must be afraid of the competition for the prize. With a slight sigh of relief, he looks at the crew assembled near him.

"So... uh... do we have a strategy?"

Walking up to Alex, "strategy was never my strong suit amigo. I could simply plow through the forest and give us line of sight if you would like or perhaps get above the trees for a better view. I could watch over you and bonita over there if that is prefered," tossing a wink toward Fach.

"Perhaps now eez ze time to ask what people can do?"

Turning toward Fluxx, "I have yet to met anything aside from a mountain that can stop me once I start in motion. Even gravity." Viktor is standing about half a foot off the ground.

Diplomacy to impress Fach (1d20 + 6=15) (19 if she finds me attractive)

[Arkrite]

Alex "Current" Murphy

"I... zap things. And I can run pretty fast," Alex adds lamely.

It was hard to add up after Flux's speach about his powers.

[Horsenhero]

"I can fight." Vlad said simply. "My father was in the military and taught me to wrestle and box."

Raising his hands and turning them to indicate his candy coating, he frowned slightly. "I am sticky enough to climb vertical surfaces. For a time my shell allows me to avoid serious damage and lends me some extra strength. I can stretch...like taffy. Well, not me, the shell. I can also glop people with a sticky syrup if they get close enough and..." He smiles. "...diabetics hate me. I can cause sugar shock...insulin shock if you wish to be technical."

He shakes his head a little, as if still baffled how he got into this situation. "I have nothing so marvelous as electricity or unstoppability or molecular manipulation, at my command, but, I will do my best."

"Oh yes, and...water disolves my shell and I won't hit girls." He adds in a rush.

[Michuru81]

"So... uh... do we have a strategy?" Current asked.

Impasse answered him: "Strategy was never my strong suit amigo. I could simply plow through the forest and give us line of sight if you would like or perhaps get above the trees for a better view. I could watch over you and bonita over there if that is preferred."

Impasse's wink does manage to change Fach's attitude from unfriendly to indifferent. Congratulations.

"Perhaps now eez ze time to ask what people can do? I can break down ze bonds between molecules. I've practiced on rocks, beeg rocks, but I've never done so against a person. My own body as well can maintain a state of fluxus. Destabilizing. And reform wiz lengzened cellular structures. Umm... I can recombine chemicals, adding or subtracting to fluctuate zeir atomic weight and properties. Full chemical recombinancy but in small amounts - make one zing into anozer. Oh and restore 'ydrocarbons to 'omeostasis - er... I can 'eal damaged tissue by touch.

"I... I zink zat's eet."

Fach continued to stare at Fluxx--petrified by all that his abilities encompassed. "I scream," she said, suddenly feeling substandard.

"I spin," offered Apex. He shrugged. "That I'm super-strong and mostly invulnerable makes me very destructive when I start spinning."

"I... zap things. And I can run pretty fast," Alex adds lamely. It was hard for many of them to follow up Fluxx's exposition, but Impasse's hubris insisted he try...

"I have yet to met anything aside from a mountain that can stop me once I start in motion," he said. "Even gravity."

"I can fight." Vlad said simply. "My father was in the military and taught me to wrestle and box. I am sticky enough to climb vertical surfaces. For a time my shell allows me to avoid serious damage and lends me some extra strength. I can stretch...like taffy. Well, not me, the shell. I can also glop people with a sticky syrup if they get close enough and..." He smiles. "...diabetics hate me. I can cause sugar shock...insulin shock if you wish to be technical. I have nothing so marvelous as electricity or unstoppability or molecular manipulation, at my command, but, I will do my best.

"Oh yes, and...water disolves my shell and I won't hit girls."

"Stay away from Lluvia then," Apex said. "He makes it rain. Actually, he's a bit of a strategist so... I think we should focus on taking him out first. Also, Alex? Don't attack Parabola--her powers will redirect your blasts to one of us. She only reflects energy though. Kirstie's weakness is that she has a glass jaw." He frowned at Vlad. "I understand and respect your unwillingness to not hit girls but... you won't mind if someone else does, right?"

[Arkrite]

Alex "Current" Murphy

He fought the urge to sigh as the slick richboy made a move on the redhead. He didn't expect he had a chance against that. Street rat vs pampered prince. He had the feeling that Viktor also had a sportscar that was worth more money than he'd ever seen in his life.

Then the man in the candy coating started listing his numerous abilities.

And we've hit a new low, Alex thinks to himself, the man with candy coating is now making fun of us.

He hunches over a bit more, looking a little bit miserable, wishing he had pockets to stuff his hands into.